UCAS Information

This course is available with a Foundation year for those who do not meet main entry requirements. Please see ‘Requirements’ and ‘Modules’ tabs on this page for further information, including UCAS codes.

This programme allows students to learn how to spot and develop talent, as well as lead with authority. You will engage with, and gain an understanding across, areas such as community coaching, academy coaching, semi-professional, professional and overseas coaching.

Taught within the football club environment by our UEFA qualified coaches, some of whom have previously coached at the academies of leading Premier League clubs, this degree qualification provides a unique learning experience and the opportunity to live, learn and develop within the live operations of a professional atmosphere, providing students with access to coaching at clubs across the football pyramid.

This degree provides lifelong learning and education to aspiring young football coaches and managers, as well as being the hub for football industry qualifications. You will receive high quality teaching, learning and coaching provision from professionals with backgrounds in academia and professional football. There may also be the opportunity to participate in vital work experience placements across a number of coaching roles, from grass roots to professional clubs.

We aim to ensure that everyone on our BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management degree will gain the qualifications, skills and expertise needed for the maximum chance of success within the football industry.

For UCFB Etihad Campus students, the majority of classes for this programme will be taught in the state-of-the-art facilities at Belle Vue Sports Village in order to allow a combination of practical and theoretical learning. All UCFB Etihad Campus students have access to the array of first-class UCFB facilities in the Etihad Stadium and surrounding Etihad Campus.

To find out about the Programme Leader for this course, please click here.

Employability & Enrichment

In 2015, UCFB formed a significant partnership with the League Managers Association (LMA). This partnership provides UCFB with unprecedented access to LMA members outside of the degree programme, with access to elite level coaches for their advice and expertise. Coaching qualifications such as the new FA Level 2 may also be available as part of the Employability & Enrichment events, as well as support and guidance in completing the UEFA B qualifications via interaction with professional coaches within the game.

Football Coaching & Management BA (Hons) Modules

Foundation year modules are only applicable to students enrolled onto this degree course with an integrated foundation year at the beginning.

Preparing for Success in Higher Education+

This module enables students to develop self-awareness and to identify those personal qualities, attributes and skills required for successful progression to Level 4 academic study.

The module provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their existing abilities, and to further develop key academic and study skills.

Employability and Enterprise+

This module allows students to learn about employment prospects in their chosen area of interest. This includes research about what employers are looking for in future recruits – including technical skills, transferable skills, personal attributes and business awareness – as an important pre-cursor for being able to present themselves effectively to employers using a CV, application form, social media networking and during a job interview.

Students will also develop entrepreneurial skills, being able to formulate a properly evidenced proposal to address the needs of identified consumers, for example, some innovation, service improvement or new business opportunity. They will be able to pitch their idea in a professional manner and using a range of appropriate visual aids.

Project+

This module provides students with the opportunity to analyse a problem that relates to their specialist subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.

Once the problem is fully understood, as well as the requirements and expectations of the stakeholders, a project can then be planned and completed in a structured manner in order to implement some intervention to bring improvements and benefits to the inspected situation.

Throughout, students will be required to effectively communicate and report their progress with their project, and make use of the advice and guidance provided by an appropriate project supervisor.

Principles of Sports Coaching+

A role of a sports coach isn’t just about picking the right team or laying out the cones, they must also be the guardian of the team, young and senior, and be able to apply a number of techniques to their players to ensure they are maximising their ability.

This module will introduce students to the fundamental principles of sports coaching and the role and responsibilities of the coach within a range of contexts, including legal obligations, problem solving, analysing, professional conduct and the ability to develop the skills necessary to plan, deliver and review the successful delivery of a sports coaching session.

Semester 1

Introduction to Football Management+

Introduction to Football Management

The module introduces you to the necessary understanding and skills for effective leadership and management within association football by considering it at different levels of the national game. You will be able to identify the skills and qualities required by individuals to succeed in management from grass roots by examining management in the elite game. Students will be exposed to case study examples of successful and unsuccessful managers at different levels of the game and will compare and contrast different styles. Students will explore the key qualities, characteristics and roles of an effective manager in association football across all levels of the game.

Fundamentals of Coaching+

Fundamentals of Coaching

This module will enable you to develop awareness and understanding of the key fundamentals and principles of sports coaching, integrating theory with practice and sharing knowledge and understanding through discussion and debate. The practical element of coaching will allow you to gain experience in and an understanding of the cognitive process of coaching. You will learn what a coach needs to function effectively and safely in a variety of situations, developing reflective skills and identifying which theories are most applicable when working in a specific coaching context. You will learn how to reflect on and evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to improve both your technical and behavioural skills relevant to a career in the coaching industry.

Semester 2

Football Principles & Practice+

Football Principles & Practice

This module is designed to provide you with an essential ‘coaching toolkit’ with which to develop the technical performance of young players.

Firstly, you will examine key technical components used in football. Secondly, you will explore the principles of play (both attacking and defending), how you can develop individuals understanding of the game and how to manage mistakes within practice situations. Taking a player-centred approach which allows the player to be actively involved in their own learning and development through decision-making and problem-solving rather than being coach-led, you will design practices which will develop players game craft and game understanding and learn what constrains lead coaching principles.

Coaching in the Community+

Coaching in the Community

This module will develop your core understanding of sport in community projects. You will particularly explore the role of community-based youth sport initiatives and how these are conducted. Coaching theory will be applied to age- and ability-related practical sessions and you will learn how to support and engage community groups via sport. You will also develop a clear understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses in relation to working with diverse demographic groups.

Semester 1

Managing Teams & Individuals+

Managing Teams & Individuals

This module explores key principles of leadership and management and examines leadership styles in football. You will study and evaluate leadership and management skills and consequent behaviours. Moreover, you will be able to develop management knowledge and understanding to help to advance your career within the football industry in a management role. You will analyse which behaviours are considered to be successful in the management of players, teams and backroom staff in Association Football. Change management strategies and consideration of psychological factors, such as stress management, confidence building, motivation and ways of working with different personalities will be examined.

Talent Development+

Talent Development

You will critique the literature and evidence behind the different types of talent and the predictors of talent across a range of sports. You will evaluate a variety of different performance pathways that exist across sports and within other countries. This will allow you to evaluate key predictors of talent within a chosen sporting field and moreover have the appreciation to apply key theories of talent development and critically analyse talent development pathways. Furthermore you will examine the support mechanisms which aid the development of sporting ability and skills that help to fulfil young people`s potential.

Semester 2

Research Methods+

Research Methods

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of research principles, a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and appropriate analysis for these. This will enable the student to develop the research skills and knowledge necessary to undertake an independent research project. Students will be provided with support in developing their writing style to incorporate citations and make use of referencing.

They will be introduced to Academic Journals and will use these to inform their understanding of the research approaches used in the sector. This will also serve to familiarise the learners with the role of Journals in their wider study. The final aspect of this module will introduce hypothesis testing, with learners making use of a computer package to undertake simple statistical tests commonly used within their subject area.

Football Tactics & Strategies+

Football Tactics & Strategies

You will acquire a systematic understanding of the principles of play, appropriate to Association Football and advanced tactical and strategic knowledge relevant to the 11 vs.11 format of the game. You will explore different formations and the roles and responsibilities of players, looking specifically at movement off the ball and key movement triggers to develop patterns of play. Coaches will develop their understanding of progression starting with specific aspects of team play, working with individuals (13-21 years), with units and then whole team triggers in functional practices and phases of play in 11 vs. 11 game situations. You will design practices which will develop players’ positional play and understanding through functional practices and phases of play.

Semester 1

Applied Reflective Practice+

Applied Reflective Practice

Using leadership and management as central themes you will learn how to critically appraise relevant theory and research in order to develop your own actions, behaviours and characteristics pertinent to a career as a sport, business or coaching manager. The module provides an opportunity to reflect on your own approach to leadership and management skills and behaviour and to critically analyse the impact of this in an applied setting benchmarking such approaches against tested relevant academic frameworks. You will learn how to evaluate and apply managerial and leadership theory to practice, and will have the opportunity to produce an evidenced-based personal development plan to improve your own management and leadership behaviours.

Elite Performance Coaching+

Elite Performance Coaching

This module will give you critical insight into how coaches work in the professional game and explore how analysis and reflection inform coaching practice & management within professional football. The module will follow an interdisciplinary approach in both theory and practice to explore the coaching and management behaviours and methods employed when working with professional football teams and players. You will use theory and evidence-based practice to evaluate appropriate training programmes and critically analyse existing approaches to elite performance coaching within football and other sports. You will critically analyse (through observation) current practices to develop skills and improve high performance within professional football, furthermore exploring key support mechanisms when working with elite professional players within the coaching environment.

Semester 2

Research Project+

Research Project

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity for independent learning through the completion of an individual, extended research project. The project requires a high level of individual application and commitment to research and enquiry. It provides students with the opportunity to identify, reflect upon and explore a topic that has implications for their own professional development.

Match Analysis+

Match Analysis

This module aims to provide you with a framework to support the ongoing cycle of the coaching process. Coaches are required to observe, analyse, evaluate and provide feedback to players after performance. You will explore key performance indicators with particular reference to both technical and tactical analysis. You will establish how to use a range of match analysis methods from notational to applying technological advancements to enhance your efficiency in providing feedback. You will develop techniques to evaluate teams’ overall performance both technical and tactical in order to provide feedback for intervention planning.

Applicants should have a strong GCSE profile, including English at Grade C, or equivalent and Maths at Grade C (specifically for Football Business & Finance, Sports Business & Sports Law and Sports Psychology).

Other equivalent qualifications, including those from your own country, will be considered for entry.

Applicants for whom English is a second language will need a valid Academic IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.0 with no lower than 5.5 in each component for entry on to a degree programme (Level 4). For applicants who require a TIER 4 Student Visa you will need an ‘IELTS for UKVI’ certificate.

All qualifications are subject to approval by the UCFB Admissions team, based on UKVI requirements.

We also welcome applications from mature students who may not possess the above qualifications but may have relevant experience.

Applications need to have a strong background of football coaching experience, holding the FA Level 1 as a requirement. Students will require a good understanding of principles of football and will need to synthesise and translate theory and knowledge in a practical setting. Being able to demonstrate is an important attribute to succeed on the course and experience of playing at a professional football academy or semi-professional football club will be an advantage.

Entry with advanced standing

Students are normally expected to start at Level 4, but can be admitted to any level of the course which is considered suitable, after portfolio review and interview, using the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). Under this arrangement, a student may apply to have previous academic credits or other learning or experience taken into consideration. Such applications are considered by the Faculty CATS committee and must be supported by the Academic Department.

Applicants are also expected to hold a GCSE grade C in Maths or English.

To be considered eligible for the programme, applicants must have completed at least two years of post-secondary education or work experience.

Applicants applying without the minimum required UCAS points can still be considered on a case by case basis and may be requested to attend an interview and assessment prior to receiving an offer.

International applicants will be asked to achieve IELTS for UKVI at grade 6.0 overall or above.

Enquiries are encouraged from anybody who does not meet the above criteria but would like to be considered for the programme. Please email admissions@ucfb.com for further advice.

Career prospects for graduates of the BA (Hons) Football Coaching & Management degree programme at UCFB include football coaching roles, including the ability to rise to senior managerial roles due to the management aspect of the degree.

UCFB Student Profiles+

Employer Endorsements+

Ben Beer, Senior Recruitment Manager at Challenger Sports USA

“We have worked with UCFB and its students since 2012, taking them to the US and Canada on work placements throughout the summer. The student’s fantastic approach to coaching and their ability to enjoy new and different cultures has made them stand out. Their delivery on the field and their enthusiasm and personalities have made them a great fit with Challenger Sports.”

Chris Lewis, Chairman at Biggleswade United

“The non-league game typically struggles to bring in talent to drive clubs forward due to the lack of resources, but UCFB has been essential in helping us bridge that problem. It’s been fantastic working with UCFB as it has provided us with access to the brightest young talent who are keen to make a career in the football industry.”

UCFB Wembley+

Tuition fees

UK/EU tuition fees for 2019 entry are £9,250 per year.
International tuition fees for 2019 entry are £14,250 per year.

Additional costs

The provision of a facility or service including accommodation may be subject to an additional charge (i.e. separate from tuition fees). Where this is the case, we will make this clear in advance and payment for such service shall be made in accordance with any additional contract made between you and the University.

In some instances, optional Employability & Enrichment activities provided by UCFB may carry an additional cost for participants (e.g. qualifications with external certification such as FA Coaching Badges or STAT qualifications). Any additional costs will be provided to students in advance of any such sessions running.

Students will be required to purchase UCFB branded kit for their studies, which costs £120. Additional courses such as the FA coaching badges at St. George’s Park (£30 per course) are also available. Courses not provided by UCFB staff, such as UEFA Licence prep, youth modules and futsal qualifications, are costed according to which county FA students participate with.

UCFB Etihad Campus+

Tuition fees

UK/EU tuition fees for 2019 entry are £9,250 per year.
International tuition fees for 2019 entry are £14,250 per year.

Additional costs

The provision of a facility or service including accommodation may be subject to an additional charge (i.e. separate from tuition fees). Where this is the case, we will make this clear in advance and payment for such service shall be made in accordance with any additional contract made between you and the University.

In some instances, optional Employability & Enrichment activities provided by UCFB may carry an additional cost for participants (e.g. qualifications with external certification such as FA Coaching Badges). Any additional costs will be provided to students in advance of any such sessions running.

Students will be required to purchase UCFB branded kit for their studies, which costs £120. Additional courses such as the FA coaching badges at St George’s Park (£30 per course) are also available. Courses not provided by UCFB staff, such as UEFA Licence prep, youth modules and futsal qualifications, are costed according to which county FA students participate with.